Rentals guide

Finding a house to rent in Hua Hin can be a long and arduous task, there are a number of pitfalls to be wary of and a few things that can make the process easier.

As more and more properties are constructed the market floods with empty places available for rent, unfortunately though the prices in Hua Hin are still climbing.

Following the guidelines below should make the process of finding a house to rent in Hua Hin a little easier. Please be aware though that many of theses considerations are general and your situation will probably differ slightly.

Renting - things to consider

Finding a place
Houses available for rent usually have a sign on the gate and a contact phone number. By far the best way to find a place is to drive up and down the sois (streets) in your desired area noting down these telephone numbers and a few details about the house. Renting a motorcycle for the day is a good way to do this. There are a number of websites and real estate agents that offer houses for rent but these usually tend to be over priced and targeted towards holiday makers rather than long term expats.

Making the call
This will be the first step, contacting the owner of the house to arrange a viewing and get more details. It is highly recommended to get a Thai person to make the call on your behalf as the price will invariably rise when the owner hears a foreigner's voice on the end of the line. You can get a rough idea of monthly rent and arrange to go and see the place which is best done during the day.

Viewing the property
Make sure you go during the day and make note of the condition of the house and yard if it has one. Check for security bars, locks and gates. Check the ceiling for leaks and the walls for damp - rainy season could be fun if it floods - make sure the toilet is up to your standard. Look at the neighbours' houses and note if they have fifteen rottweilers or 25 teenagers living in there, you wont get much peace if they do. Have a ride down the soi to get a feel of the neighbourhood, it is also a good idea to come back at night just to make sure the house across the street isn't an all night karaoke bar!

Furnishings and fittings
Furnished properties are more expensive for obvious reasons, make sure it is clear what furniture comes with the house, make a note of its condition and test the appliances, including water heaters, water pumps and air conditioners. It maybe an idea to take a few photos of the place before you move in - you may need them later. Does it have a phone line? You will not be able to access the internet without one.

Price
This is usually the deciding factor when renting a house, you will know before hand what your own budget is. In Hua Hin rental properties like everything else are negotiable, you will get a discount the longer you stay, especially if you can pay for several months in advance. A rough guide to what you should pay is below (k = '000 baht):

rent

2 bedroom beach/central

3 bedroom beach/central

2 bed 2-4km out of town

3 bed 2-4km out of town

Furnished

20k-25k+

25k-30k+

10k-12k

12k-15k

Unfurnished

15k-20k

20k-25k

8k-10k

10k-12k

Pool Villa

50k+

60k+

30k+

40k+

This guide is very approximate and you will come across more expensive and cheaper places in the same brackets. Houses in central Hua Hin or near the beach are very expensive in comparison to an equivalent property a few kilometres out of town. You can save at least 30% on the rent by getting an unfurnished place but then have to consider the cost of buying the furniture, it really depends on your length of stay in Hua Hin.

Deposits
Most landlords will require a deposit, this is usually the equivalent of one months rent for unfurnished places or two months for furnished. Do not be fooled by those that demand exorbitant amounts for a deposit, walk away, there are plenty more out there. The deposit is required to cover damage made to the property during your stay or unpaid bills when you leave. This is why taking photos before you rent the place is a good idea. It is also a good idea to get a rental agreement or contract drawn up, most respectable landlords will not object to this as it protects you both. Deposits are rarely returned in Thailand so the general idea is to stay the final month without paying the rent so it works out square (unless you have caused any damage to the property).

Responsibilities
This is something that is negotiable between you and the landlord however there are a few basic things that they and yourself should be responsible for.

Landlord: Any structural repairs, painting, plumbing and electrics. Water pump and air conditioning units. All furniture if you are renting a house "furnished" (unless you damage it).

Tenants: Upkeep and cleanliness of the property, replaceable items such as light bulbs, fuses, fans, kitchenware, anything damaged or broken should be replaced.

Bills
In most cases you will have to pay the utility bills for your rented house. Typical bills cost the following: